Maputaland cannibal snail description

Named for their snail-eating habits (2)(3), cannibal snails (Rhytididae) feed using a rasping tongue-like structure known as a radula, which bears long, curved teeth, a specialisation for their carnivorous diet (4). The orange-brown body of the Maputaland cannibal snail is large and broad, and carries a thin brown shell with rapidly expanding whorls and a large opening (2).

Related species

Maputaland cannibal snail biology

Very little has been documented on this snail’s biology and behaviour, which remain poorly understood. Like other cannibal snails, this species is carnivorous, feeding on other molluscs and probably also earthworms (2)(4).

Species found in a similar habitat

Maputaland cannibal snail status

Maputaland cannibal snail threats

The Maputaland cannibal is threatened by ongoing habitat loss and degradation as a result of conversion to agricultural land, wood plantations and mining (2), as well as ever increasing pressure from local communities on the few remaining pristine habitats (5).

Maputaland cannibal snail conservation

There are currently no conservation measures specifically targeting this species, although it is known to occur in conservation areas (Hluhluwe-Imfolosi Game Reserve and the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park) (5).

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